B and B in USA – Once Unheard of, Now Considered Part of the Country’s Heritage

January 27th, 2011 admin


You might find it hard to believe, but it wasn’t that long ago that finding a bed and breakfast in the USA was a difficult task. For international tourists and Americans alike, the only means of accommodation whilst travelling from town to town and city to city was a hotel or a motel.

The few bed and breakfast establishments that did exist in the US were few and far between in areas such as New England and California. This form of accommodation was little known by most travellers and generally the only form of advertising their whereabouts was by word of mouth.

Things have changed in a big way since then, to the extent that could almost be termed dramatic. This sudden surge of b and b in USA has spread like wild fire to the point where every state is littered with them. They have established themselves as the perfect alternative to a chain of motels or a hotel in the city with hundreds of little cubicles.

The increasing presence of b and b style accommodation throughout the USA first developed less than 20 years ago. Americans were faced with high travel costs so instead opted to explore the hidden communities and back roads of their own country. Another factor, other than to escape the daily routines of city life was the ability to get away to places where you could also make friends along the way. This is one of the beauties of b and b in USA.

A great number of older homes have been restored and turned into the bed and breakfasts. They are mostly located in the rural parts of the country and provide a home away from home for folk of all interests and tastes.

Most bed and breakfasts appear cozy and charming from the outside, yet they all offer different services and features which you can easily establish when searching for one online. You’ll find that most of these feature an extensive photo gallery so you can get a real feel what to expect. Plus they include maps detailing the exact location of the property.

Not one b and b in USA is the same. They are as varied as the personalities that you’ll find within them. If you’ve never stayed in a b and b and you’re looking to spend one or two nights away from home and away from a motel or hotel, then perhaps you should try a b and b. You’ll be surprised at just how satisfying the whole experience can be.

By: Jim T Thomas

About the Author:
The Number 1 Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Website is a joint venture between B&B websites of various countries to create one truly global site. 1bbweb.com is on the way to fulfilling the aim of being the best bed & breakfast site in the world. In the short time we have been accepting international listings we have achieved a membership of nearly 10,000 members from USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, as well as increasing numbers from European and Asian countries. If you are looking for a B and B in USA, visit our website today.



Senior Travel – Top 5 US Entertainment Destinations

January 27th, 2011 admin


The U.S. has dozens of entertaining options for senior travel destinations. Whether you’re active, have special needs, or in search of a destination that’s fun for the whole family, there’s something out there for you within America’s borders. This list covers a few of the top entertainment destinations for senior travel out there, ranging from the ever-popular shows and museums in Branson to breathtaking views of nature in some of America’s best national parks. It’s never too late to explore the beauty and wonder that the U.S. has to offer, so why not start planning your trip now?

1. Branson, Missouri

Branson is arguably America’s top travel destination for seniors. With more than 50 music and movie theaters and more than 10 championship golf courses, Branson boasts entertainment options for just about everyone. If you’re taking grandkids with you, go in the warmer months-they’ll enjoy the city’s water parks and water rides. Museum highlights include Dick Clark’s American Bandstand museum (featuring classic cars and other nostalgic exhibits), a Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum, and a museum filled with antique toys. If you’re active, Branson is a great place to walk around-there are tons of attractions to catch your attention, and the town is small enough to seem quaint and friendly.

2. Jersey Shore

Spend your vacation on the boardwalk and the beach at any of New Jersey’s towns on the shore. Hotels can eat away a lot of the costs of a trip to the beach, but Ocean City and other Jersey towns have a wide selection of vacation rentals that you can snag for a fraction of a hotel’s cost. Lots of rentals are fully equipped with kitchens, too, so if you have special dietary needs, you can prepare your own food as needed. The sand and sun in Jersey is a perfect getaway for seniors who love to relax and hear the waves lapping in the distance. Jersey Shore definitely makes our list of the top senior travel destinations.

3. Your Local National Park

That’s right! Lace up your hiking boots and pack your camping stove, because national parks have senior discounts that are too good to pass up. Traveling to a national park is a great way to take a meaningful vacation that you’ll be able to remember even without any kitschy souvenirs. If you want gentle exercise, walk and hike the trails that the U.S.’s many parks have to offer.

4. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a fantastic place for active, progressive seniors to visit. The city has miles upon miles of public bike lanes, and its other public transportation, ranging from buses to the light rail, is top-notch. Visiting seniors should bring umbrellas, as the city gets a lot of rain, but its temperate climate means that almost any time of year will make for a great visit. Sometimes called “The City of Roses,” Portland is known for its photogenic neighborhoods with beautiful rose gardens. Parks and open spaces are easy to find, so this city is very accommodating for seniors who enjoy relaxing walks and sightseeing.

5. Alaska

America’s largest state may also be one of its most seldom visited, but that shouldn’t be the case for seniors. No matter what you like, you’ll be able to find a place in Alaska that caters to you. There’s almost no state better for hunting, fishing, and other nature-oriented activities, and Alaska’s cities boast interesting shops and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Alaska should be on everyone’s list as one of the top senior travel destinations.

By: Glen Coard

About the Author:
ElderlyElder is an online magazine for senior citizens. It’s conversational style of articles cover Travel for Seniors, Senior Health, Estate Planning, and more.

http://www.elderlyelder.com



US International Travel Restrictions

January 26th, 2011 admin


If you are planning travel between US, Canada or Mexico by air or sea, be prepared to present your passport. The same rules apply for the Caribbean and Bermuda. If you are planning business travel, a ski trip, Spring Break, family vacation or warm weather excursion, be prepared to carry a federally recognized identification to enter the US, even if you are a US citizen. The same rules will apply to roads and land border crossings in 2008.

Beginning January 8, 2007 anyone traveling by air or sea to or from the United States and Canada or Mexico must carry a passport or other federally recognized identification to return to the United States.

These new rules also apply to U.S. citizens entering from Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

On January 1, 2008 the rules will be extended to all border crossings, including those on land. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

Check your passport and make sure that it is current, or get one if you do not have it already. Getting a passport takes time. The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. This also applies if your passport has expired and is not in your possession, if it was issued more than 15 years ago, if it was issued when you were under 16 years of age, or if your passport is being replaced because it was lost or stolen.

Plan ahead and allow at least eight to ten weeks to process your request for a new Passport. All the more reason to make sure that you have a current Passport now. You may have the opportunity or need to travel, and may not have more than two months to wait for a Passport. Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required to request expedited processing.

Passports can also be used as identification for domestic travel within the US. Tired of pulling out your wallet and Drivers License every time that you approach a ticket counter, security or gate check? You can keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in your pocket or purse and present your Passport instead. Many business travelers have learned the convenience of keeping their Passport in a convenient pouch with carry-on luggage to expedite the security identification verification process.

For a convenient list of Carry-On Restrictions, go to: http://www.executiveblueprints.com/pdf/2006_08_15_TSA_Travel_Tips.pdf

For more information on obtaining a US Passport, go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

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Words of Wisdom

“I wanna hang a map of the world in my house. Then I’m gonna put pins into all the locations that I’ve traveled to. But first, I’m gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won’t fall down.”
- Mitch Hedberg

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.”
- Clifton Fadiman

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”
- George Moore

“When a gentleman leaves home, he uses a lint brush to preserve his professional image. When a gentleman returns home from Las Vegas, he uses a glitter brush to preserve his professional image.”
- Craig Marking

By: John Mehrmann

About the Author:
About the Author:

John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital. http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com provides resource materials for trainers, sample Case Studies, educational articles and references to local affiliates for consulting and executive coaching. http://www.InstituteforAdvancedLeadership.com provides self-paced tutorials for personal development and tools for trainers. Presentation materials, reference guides and exercises are available for continuous development.



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